I am not sure where the boxes came from, but at some point boxes were created and categories of people were established and put into these boxes. Who in the world created these boxes and more importantly why do we feel we have to stay in them. Especially when it comes to what we eat and the desire to break outta the stereotypical ‘you’ve gotta eat meat box’.
It has always been interesting to me that we can take a piece of chicken and come up with a billion ways to season and cook it but can not do the same with a sweet potato or beans. Well, I am not here for that… I am all about being my most creative self on this plant-based journey. If I could come up with tasty meals eating meat, then SURELY I can do the same with whole, living foods. Surely WE can do the same with whole, living foods. Come out of the box that the mysterious ‘they’ have put non-meat eaters (and so many others) in and begin to create delicious HEALTHY meals for yourself and those you love.
Here are two ways to get outta this imaginary box –
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- Change your mindset. This is the key to success on so many levels. In order to invoke change you’ve got to think differently. If you think that living a vegan (plant-based) life is challenging then guess what it will be — a challenge. However, if you step foot into this journey thinking ‘I can do this‘ or ‘I AM able to overcome any challenge relating to living a vegan (plant-based) life‘ you are already winning. Never walk into something new with a negative mindset, that attitude does not leave much room for positive growth.
- Do your homework. Do not go blindly into this lifestyle. Research. Read. (Yes, READ!) Find cookbooks. Meet people who are living the life, get their feedback – most often they are more than willing to share tips and tricks. I remember our first vegan ‘Thanksgiving’; we were in Whole Paycheck (I mean Foods) looking for a particular ingredient and who knew we looked like tourists in a foreign land (especially, since Whole Paycheck was our spot at that time). But there was a nice lady who asked one question that led to about 30 minutes of her showing us different ingredients she uses for her vegan dishes. We did not know her, but she hoisted her infant son on her hip and helped this couple create a tasty meatless meal for that year. There are numerous apps, blogs, and websites that will provide you with helpful information – including the website you are on now, DUH! Also, consider paying for a meal plan (I’ve got them 😉 ). Often that is the jumpstart people need when making a change because they have something to follow. I have created meal plans for various clients and what started off as 14-days of no meat, has turned into months. So it is possible, know that!
- Every meal is NOT a salad. While salads can be wholesome, filling and a great staple meal that is not all vegans (plant-based livers) eat. One of my hubs’ favorite meals as a meat-eater was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas. As herbivores, I have recreated this meal for him and each time it is very enjoyable and filling. In addition, we enjoy desserts (ice cream recipe below), nachos, burritos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, spaghetti, just to name a few and all made with love from whole living foods. Everything does not need to be cooked to death or killed in order to be enjoyable. BUT it does take creativity and effort.
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Start with thinking outside of the box and believe that you can do it, and then put in some effort into getting it done.
***As a bonus try this non-dairy ice cream.***
1 organic banana, sliced and frozen
2 cup organic strawberries, frozen
2 tablespoons almond milk (non-dairy milk)
½ teaspoon vanilla (organic)
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. The consistency should be like sorbet. Transfer to a freezer-safe container large enough to hold 2 cups, and freeze for at least 3 hours. Scoop with an ice cream scoop and serve cold. Enjoy your home-made vegan ice cream.
Let me know what VEGAN recipes you enjoy. If you try the ice cream recipe above, let me know your thoughts. ‘